Front fascia or grill support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly

ABSTRACT

A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/725,025 filed Nov. 12, 2012, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to vehicles and, more particularly to afront fascia support structure and for a vehicle having a seal memberdisposed thereon, and more particularly to a vehicle assembly comprisinga positioning and reinforcement structure, a position-controlled frontfascia support structure and an aerodynamic shutter system.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as automobiles, are assembled by aligning and fasteningnumerous components and sub-assemblies to one another. One region of theautomobile requiring assembly of such components and sub-assemblies is a2 region. This portion of the vehicle is frequently assembled as anassembly or subassembly referred to as a “front clip.” The front clip iscommonly defined as the assembly comprising the portion of the vehicleextending from the A-pillar (the roof support pillar associated with thefront windscreen) to the most forwardly disposed component, typically afront bumper. The front clip includes a structural frame, as well as avariety of vehicle components that collectively form the vehicle body.

Several efforts to directly or indirectly mount and/or fix the vehiclebody components to each other, as well as to the vehicle frame, haverelied on welded support structures or frames and machined body mountinglocations for the body components. Approaches relying on such bodymounting locations have undesirably led to large variations in alignmentand fastening of components to each other. These large variations mayinfluence the aesthetic appearance of the automobile to a user byproviding nonuniform or undesirably large or small gaps and spacingsbetween components and may be the cause of functional deficiencies, suchas undesirable large opening/closing efforts, alignment and mutilationof components due to misalignment and interference, and non-uniform gapsand spacings, which each may affect consumer satisfaction.

One area of concern in the front clip has been the positioning of thefront fascia and the grill opening therein. In addition, another area ofconcern has been the ability to create an efficient airflow path fromthe grill opening to the radiator and cooling system and into the enginecompartment. These are very important due to their influence on vehiclefit and finish, aesthetic appeal and perceived vehicle quality, as wellas their influence on and contribution to airflow over the vehicle andthrough the grill opening, which in turn affects the aerodynamic dragand drag coefficient of the vehicle and its vehicle fuel efficiency. Forexample, an inefficient airflow path and losses of the airflow throughthe grill and grill opening between the opening and the cooling systemmay affect the sizing of the grill opening (e.g. require a largeropening) and increase the drag coefficient. Controlling the airflow pathcan be particularly complicated when front fascias are employed, sincethey generally include many complex curved surfaces that make itdifficult to define an efficient airflow path. This has generally beenaccomplished using various combinations of airflow closeouts andmasticated rubber baffles which must in turn be incorporated into, andaccurately positioned within, the front end clip. While these can beeffective they add to cost and afford the opportunity for variability inposition, which can affect variability in the efficiency of the airflowpath and vehicle performance.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved support and positioningof the front fascia and grill opening and to improve the efficiency ofthe airflow path and reduce airflow losses through the grill opening toimprove vehicle fit, finish and performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a fascia support structure and aerodynamicshutter assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes afascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising asubstantially U-shaped body, the U-shaped body comprising a top fasciasupport member, a first side fascia support member and a second sidefascia support member, the first side fascia support member having afirst side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a secondside baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottomportion detachably attached to the first side fascia support member andthe second side fascia support member, the top portion and the bottomportion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one ofthe first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a sealmember disposed on a leading edge thereof. The assembly also includes anaerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutterframe opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein todefine a closable portion of the shutter frame opening and an openportion of the shutter frame opening, the shutter frame covering anddetachably attached to the top portion and the bottom portion about aperiphery of the fascia support structure opening, the shuttersrotatable from a closed position where adjacent shutters are inoverlapping engagement with one another to an open position where theshutters are not in overlapping engagement with one another.

In another exemplary embodiment, a position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assemblyincludes a positioning and reinforcement member for a front end clip ofa vehicle, the positioning and reinforcement member comprising aplurality of first position reference features for locating and fixingthe positions of a plurality of vehicle components comprising the frontend clip, the positioning and reinforcement member comprising apositioning and reinforcement member opening. The assembly also includesa position-controlled front fascia support structure detachably attachedto the positioning and reinforcement member and comprising a pluralityof second position reference features that are configured forcooperative engagement with the first position reference features tolocate and fix the front fascia support structure in a predeterminedposition relative to the positioning and reinforcement member, and alsocomprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body, theU-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first sidefascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the firstside fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second sidefascia support member having a second side baffle, a second positionreference feature of the top portion configured for cooperativeengagement with at least one of the plurality of first positionreference features to establish the predetermined position of the topportion relative to the positioning and reinforcement structure; and abottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attachedto the first side fascia support member and the second side fasciasupport member, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising afascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle,second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on aleading edge thereof, a second position reference feature of the bottomportion configured for cooperative engagement with at least one of theplurality of first position reference features to establish thepredetermined position of the bottom portion relative to the positioningand reinforcement structure. The assembly further includes anaerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutterframe opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein todefine a closable portion of the shutter frame opening and an openportion of the shutter frame opening, the shutter frame covering anddetachably attached to the top portion and the bottom portion about aperiphery of the fascia support structure opening, the shuttersrotatable from a closed position where adjacent shutters are inoverlapping engagement with one another to an open position where theshutters are not in overlapping engagement with one another.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a position-controlled front grillsupport structure assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assemblyincludes a positioning and reinforcement member for a front end clip ofa vehicle, the positioning and reinforcement structure comprising asubstantially cross-car extending and vertically extending member frameand defining a member frame opening. The assembly also includes aone-piece position-controlled front grill support structure that issealingly and detachably attached to the positioning and reinforcementmember, the front grill support structure comprising an attachmentflange and a grill reinforcement rib extending outwardly away from theattachment flange in a forward direction, the grill reinforcement ribdefining a front grill support structure opening, the attachment flangeconfigured to sealingly engage a front surface of the positioning andreinforcement member. The assembly further includes an aerodynamicshutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame openingand a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein to define aclosable portion of the shutter frame opening and an open portion of theshutter frame opening, the shutter frame having a front surface and arear surface, the rear surface sealingly and detachably attached to thefront grill support structure about a periphery of the grill supportstructure opening, the shutters rotatable from a closed position whereadjacent shutters are in overlapping engagement with one another to anopen position where the shutters are not in overlapping engagement withone another, the shutter frame opening, front grill support structureopening and member frame opening comprising a sealed airflow conduit forcommunication of an airflow.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages ofthe invention are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the invention when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only,in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detaileddescription referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a front endassembly as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembledposition-controlled front fascia support structure assembly as disclosedherein, wherein the radiator is attached to the radiator support and thefront fascia support structure is assembled to the positioning andsupport structure to form an assembly thereof and an aero-shutter systemthat is not yet assembled thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly of FIG. 2 having the aero-shutter systemfurther assembled thereto;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly of FIG. 3 and a fascia that is not yetassembled thereto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly of FIG. 4 having the fascia assembledthereto;

FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled perspective view of an embodiment ofa positioning and support structure assembly as disclosed herein,including an exemplary embodiment of a positioning and support memberand front fascia support structure as disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly of FIG. 7 further comprising a front fasciadisposed thereon;

FIG. 9 is a schematic section view of the section 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic section view of the section 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the positioning andattachment features of the top portion of the front fascia supportstructure 140 and positioning and support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the positioning and attachmentfeatures of the top portion of the front fascia support structure andpositioning and support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the top portion and bottomportion of the front fascia support structure as disclosed herein;

FIG. 14 is another enlarged perspective view of the top portion andbottom portion of the front fascia support structure as disclosedherein;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the positioning and attachment featuresof the lower portion of the front fascia support structure andpositioning and support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of an embodiment of an aerodynamic shuttersystem as described herein;

FIG. 17 is a rear plan view of the aerodynamic shutter system of FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial rear perspective view of the aerodynamicshutter system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a partially disassembled perspective view of an embodiment ofa position-controlled front grill support structure assembly for avehicle as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 20 is a partially assembled perspective view of a portion of theposition-controlled front grill support structure assembly for a vehicleof FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, a position-controlled front fascia supportstructure 140 is disclosed. The position-controlled front fascia supportstructure 140 may also be referred to herein interchangeably as ashutter body, as it also may be used to provide a support and attachmentstructure for an aerodynamic shutter system 190, as described furtherherein. The front fascia support structure 140 includes seal members 144that may be integrally formed on leading edges thereof that areconfigured to seal against an inner or rearward facing surface 174 of afront fascia 170 to form an efficient airflow path 178 from the grillopening 172 to the radiator 180 and cooling system and into the enginecompartment. The position-controlled front fascia support structure 140is also assembled to a positioning and support member 30 usingpositioning features 132 and attachment features 134 that are formed onthe structure and/or the member, as described herein. This provides aposition-controlled front fascia support structure assembly 142 thatenables precise and repeatable positioning of the front fascia 170 andthe grill opening 172 therein, and that provides a very desirablevehicle fit and finish, aesthetic appeal and perceived vehicle quality.In addition, the position-controlled front fascia support structureassembly 142 provides an efficient, low-loss airflow path from the grillopening 172 to the radiator 180 and cooling system and into the enginecompartment, including the engine air intake system. This is veryadvantageous as the efficient airflow path 178 improves the airflow 100over the exterior surfaces of the vehicle and through the grill opening,which in turn reduces the aerodynamic drag and drag coefficient of thevehicle and increases the vehicle fuel efficiency. Theposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140 provides unique,integrally formed seal members 144 that incorporate dual-shot injectionmolding technology to facilitate a seal around the perimeter 173 of thegrill opening 172 between the position-controlled front fascia supportstructure 140 and the front fascia 170. Sealing the airflow 100 enteringthe grill opening 172 reduces airflow 100 losses so that the airflowentering the opening is captured and directed through the radiator 180with minimal losses, increases heat exchange efficiency, and reducesaerodynamic drag. The dual shot injection mold process used on theposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140 includes forminga hard polymer substrate overmolded with a softer polymer seal member144. The seal members 144 may include a rubberized or elastomericmaterial that acts as a seal barrier for aerodynamic drag reduction. Theseal members 144 are designed with a specific predetermined interferencewith the front fascia 170 and predicted or predetermined deformed shapethat minimizes placement or assembly efforts while maintaining theinterference and contact of these components under potential buildvariations. The predetermined interference is illustrated, for example,in FIGS. 9 and 10, by the bending of the free ends of the seal members144 against the rear surface 174 of the fascia 170 upon its assembly tothe vehicle 12. The interference provides for the pressed engagement ofthe seal members 144 of the front fascia support structure 140 and thefascia 170 forming a seal between them. The seal members 144 areintegrated along with the position-controlled front fascia supportstructure 140 and aerodynamic shutter system closeout panels andeliminate the need for various discrete adapters and baffles.

Aerodynamic drag reduction improves fuel economy and the increase in thechanneled airflow through the engine heat exchangers improves enginecooling efficiency and longevity, thereby enhancing customersatisfaction, complexity reduction and de-proliferation of discrete orloose parts (which reduces part costs), improved fuel economy potential(PQ), improved heat exchanger efficiency (which improves vehicleperformance and longevity)

The harder plastic base of the front fascia 170 is overmolded during asecondary tooling operation with a material such as a rubberized plasticor elastomer that is soft and pliable. The soft material is designedwith draft to the primary separation direction of the mold tool used toform the front fascia support structure 140 and enables execution (e.g.,molding) of two materials in the same mold tool using compatible moldingmethods, such as two-shot injection molding. Engineered interference ofthe soft-shot material of the seal members 144 to the front fascia 170and grill (not shown) ensures an appropriate seal-out of air leaks thatmay otherwise result from air escaping around the typical gaps betweenthe various members of the assembly and losses of airflow 100 that mayoccur without the use of seal members 144, and which is known to occurin conventional fascia assemblies that do not implement the inventiondescribed herein, particularly front fascia support structure 140 andseal members 144.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-10, in anexemplary embodiment a front fascia support structure 140 for use inconjunction with a grill opening reinforcement (GOR) member 30 toprovide a position-controlled front fascia support assembly 142 isdisclosed. The position-controlled front fascia support assembly 142 mayalso be referred to interchangeably herein as a grill openingreinforcement (GOR) structure or assembly. Use of the front fasciasupport structure 140 in conjunction with the GOR member 30 mayadvantageously be used to establish a predetermined position of thefront fascia 170 and grill opening 172 in an optimal predeterminedposition and provides a built-in device to establish the optimalposition of the front fascia 170 and grill opening 172 relative to otherfront end components, such as the frame 14, front hood 118 and frontfenders 76, 98 and provide a desired combination of the proper functionof the grill opening 172 and an aesthetic appearance of the front fascia170 relative to the other components that comprise the front endassembly 10. The position-controlled front fascia support assembly 142,and particularly the front fascia support structure 140, also serves todefine a sealed air channel or passageway for an airflow 100 thatextends from the grill opening 172 in the front fascia 170 to thecooling system, including the radiator 180, and into the enginecompartment 182.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, a portion of a front end assembly 10 of a vehicle 12 isshown in the form of an automobile. Although the vehicle 12 isillustrated as passenger vehicle or automobile, it is to be appreciatedthat the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in combinationwith various alternative types of vehicles. With respect to anautomobile, it is to be further appreciated that the specific type ofautomobile is irrelevant to carrying out the embodiments describedbelow. For example, the automobile may include a car, truck, sportutility vehicle (SUV) or van. In one embodiment, the fascia support isparticularly useful in conjunction with an SUV, or a family of SUVsbuilt using a substantially similar vehicle platform, wherein the frontfascia 170, grill opening 172 therein and grill (not shown) thatpartially encloses the grill opening are used to differentiate variousmembers of the family of SUVs associated with different vehicle brands,for example. The preceding list is merely illustrative and is notintended to be limiting of the numerous automobile or vehicle types thatmay benefit from the embodiments of the invention.

The vehicle 12 includes a frame 14 formed of several integrally formedor operably coupled components that connect them to provide a structuralsupport configured to directly or indirectly support components andsub-assemblies for the vehicle 12. Supported components andsub-assemblies include a plurality of body components and the vehicle 12is typically referred to as having a body-on-frame construction, basedon the direct or indirect mounting and fixing of the various componentsto the frame 14. The front end assembly 10 is the region of the vehicle12 that is defined by a portion of the vehicle 12 extending forward fromwhat is known conventionally as an “A-pillar” to a forwardmostcomponent, such as a front fascia 170. The front end assembly 10 may beinterchangeably referred to as a “front clip” of the vehicle 12.

To facilitate assembly of the front end assembly 10, both with respectto components in relation to each other as well as to the frame 14, apositioning and reinforcement member 30 is included. The positioning andreinforcement member 30 generally refers to a structure configured toprovide a foundation for inter-part dimensional relationships during theassembly process for all components of the front end assembly 10,thereby alleviating reliance on a front clip frame and individualmachined mounting locations. In one embodiment, the positioning andreinforcement member 30 comprises a grill opening reinforcement (GOR)structure that acts to define and reinforce a grill opening 172. Sincethe positioning and reinforcement member 30 may be formed as anassembly, it may also be referred to herein as a positioning andreinforcement member assembly 30 or a GOR member assembly. As will bedescribed in detail below, the positioning and reinforcement member 30and the position-controlled front fascia support structure 140 includevarious locators, fastening features, and other critical dimensionalrelationship interfaces of several components and sub-assemblies. Thismay include any component and/or assembly/sub-assembly suitable for usein a front end assembly 10 or front clip, particularly fender assemblies76, 98, headlamps (not shown), grill (not shown), front fascia 170, hood118, hood latch (not shown), hood bumpers 18 and radiator support 60,for example. It is to be understood that the preceding list is merelyillustrative of the numerous components and sub-assemblies which may beincluded in the front end assembly 10 and may benefit from thepositioning and reinforcement member 30. Exemplary components andsub-assemblies will be described in detail below. As used herein, anaxial direction 26 refers to a direction that extends frontward andrearward along an along a central axis 25 of the vehicle, a cross-cardirection 27 refers to a direction that extends laterally or across thevehicle and a vertical direction 28 refers to a direction that extendsupwardly and downwardly. In one embodiment, these directions aremutually orthogonal with regard to one another.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, and particularly FIG. 6, the positioning andreinforcement member 30 is illustrated in greater detail. Thepositioning and reinforcement member 30 includes a rectilinearlysituated geometry defined by a top support member 32, a bottom supportmember 34, a first side member 36 and a second side member 38. The topsupport member 32 and the bottom support member 34 each extendrelatively horizontally in a cross-car direction 27 and relativelyparallel to each other. The first side member 36 and the second sidemember 38 extend relatively parallel to each other, but in a relativelyvertical 28 direction. As may be understood the positioning andreinforcement member 30 is therefore a substantially cross-car extendingand vertically extending structure or frame. The first side member 36 iscoupled proximate a first side member top region 40 to the top supportmember 32 and to the bottom support member 34 proximate a first sidemember bottom region 42. Likewise, the second side member 38 is coupledproximate a second side member top region 44 to the top support member32 and to the bottom support member 34 proximate a second side memberbottom region 46. The coupling between the top support member 32, thebottom support member 34, the first side member 36 and the second sidemember 38 may be in the form an integral formation process so as to forman integral positioning and reinforcement member 30, such as by casting,laser welding or spot welding process, for example. Alternatively, anoperable coupling may facilitate the formation of the positioning andreinforcement member 30 as an assembly, such as by mechanical fasteners,for example. The preceding examples of the precise connections betweenthe top support member 32, the bottom support member 34, the first sidemember 36 and the second side member 38 are merely illustrative andnumerous alternative coupling configurations are contemplated.Furthermore, the above-described components associated with thepositioning and reinforcement member 30, as well as those describedbelow, may comprise various materials, such as plastic or a metal.Additionally, the components may be formed as an over-mold having morethan one material forming one or more of the components. The positioningand reinforcement member 30 or GOR member may have any suitable size andshape, and may be used, for example, to define and reinforce a grillopening 172 having any suitable size and shape. The positioning andreinforcement member 30 also includes a positioning and reinforcementstructure opening 31. The various components of the positioning andreinforcement member 30 may be formed from any suitable material,including various metals, such as various steel or aluminum alloys,engineering plastics, or composite materials, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 6-15, the positioning and reinforcement member 30also includes positioning features 132 and attachment features 134 thatare formed on or in the member for use in positioning and attaching thefront fascia support structure 140 thereto. Any suitable positioningfeatures 132 and attachment 134 features may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the positioning features 132 include one or more, andpreferably a plurality of, elongated slots 136 formed in one or more ofthe top support member 32, the bottom support member 34, the first sidemember 36 and the second side member 38. The elongated slots 136 may beoriented in any suitable direction, and in one embodiment are orientedwith the length or longest portion of the slot or major dimensionsubstantially parallel to the vertical direction 28. Referring to FIGS.11 and 12, the slots 136, including their major dimension and width ofthe slot or minor dimension are sized to matingly receive moldedelongated tabs 135 or pins 129, including all manner of tubular, solidcylindrical and ribbed pins) that are formed on rearward surface 137 ofthe front fascia support structure 140. The insertion of the matingelongated tabs 135 into the slots 136 positions the front fascia supportstructure 140 to the datum reference of the positioning andreinforcement member 30 in the cross-car direction 27 and the verticaldirection 28. The forward surface 138, FIG. 6, of the positioning andreinforcement member 30 provides a datum reference plane that itsubstantially perpendicular to the axial direction 26 and seating therearward surface 137 of the front fascia support structure 140 positionsthis structure fore/aft in the axial direction 26. Once the positioningand reinforcement member 30 has been positioned relative to the frontfascia support structure 140 as described, they are attached to oneanother using at least one, and preferably a plurality of, attachmentfeatures 134 in the positioning and reinforcement member 30, such asthrough-holes 133, FIG. 6, and at least one, and preferably a pluralityof, attachment features 139 in the front fascia support structure 140,such as through-holes 131. The plurality of attachment features 134 inthe positioning and reinforcement member 30, such as through-holes 133,and plurality of, attachment features 139 in the front fascia supportstructure 140, such as through-holes 131 are formed on their respectivemembers in corresponding mating patterns such that when the members arepositioned as described the central axes of the holes are aligned withone another and configured to receive an attachment member 141, such asa threaded bolt 143 and nut 145.

The positioning and reinforcement member 30 also includes a first brace50 extending in a relatively diagonal manner from proximate the firstside member bottom region 42 to a relatively central location along thetop support member 32, to which the first brace 50 is operably coupled.The first brace 50 may be coupled to the first side member 36 or thebottom support member 34, or both. Similarly, a second brace 52 isincluded and extends in a relatively diagonal manner from proximate thesecond side member bottom region 46 to the top support member 32, towhich the second brace 52 is attached. The second brace 52 may becoupled to the second side member 38 or the bottom support member 34, orboth. The first brace 50 and the second brace 52 may be operably coupledto the top support member 32 in a relatively coaxial manner, such thatthe first brace 50 and the second brace 52 mount to a single location ofthe top support member 32. The first brace 50 and the second brace 52,both singularly and in combination, provide structural support for theoverall positioning and reinforcement member 30. Additionally, the firstbrace 50 and/or the second brace 52 include mounting and locatingfeatures corresponding to components integrated with, or associatedwith, the positioning and reinforcement member 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, and particularly FIG. 6, the positioningand reinforcement member 30 includes a first wing structure 70 and asecond wing structure 72, with the first wing structure 70 beingdetachably coupled to the first side member 36, while the second wingstructure 72 is detachably coupled to the second side member 38. Thefirst wing structure 70 includes a first side flange 74 proximate anoutermost location of the first wing structure 70 for fixing thepositioning and reinforcement member 30 to a first fender assembly 76.The second wing structure 72 includes a second side flange 96 proximatean outermost location of the second wing structure 72 for fixing thepositioning and reinforcement member 30 to a second fender assembly 98.

As indicated, the positioning and reinforcement member 30 is used toestablish predetermined visual modalities by the positioning andattachment of one or more components of the front end clip or assembly10, and preferably a plurality of the components of the front end clip,particularly those components that are directly visible, or thosecomponents that are not directly visible, but whose position directly orindirectly effects the position of components that are directly visible.The predetermined visual modalities may include positioning variouscomponents with various predetermined gaps and spacings, includingthree-dimensional gaps and spacings, and particularly uniform gaps andspacings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15 in one embodiment, this includes providing amodality for establishing a predetermined position (not shown) for thefront fascia 170 where it is positioned with a uniform, predeterminedgap or spacing and flush appearance relative to the fender assemblies76, 98 and hood 118 by the positioning a reinforcement member 30,particularly as it is joined to the front fascia support structure 140and forms the position-controlled front fascia support structureassembly 142.

The front fascia support structure 140 includes a top portion 146 and abottom portion 148. The top portion 146 comprises a substantiallyU-shaped body 150 comprising a top fascia support member 152, a firstside fascia support member 154 and a second side fascia support member156. The top fascia support member 152 is configured to be joined to thetop support member 32 of the positioning and reinforcement member 30 asdescribed. The first side fascia support member 154 is configured to bejoined to the first side member 36 of the positioning and reinforcementmember 30 as described. The second side fascia support member 156 isconfigured to be joined to the second side member 38 of the positioningand reinforcement member 30 as described. The bottom portion 148 maypositioned with reference to the positioning and reinforcement member 30by using the position reference features 132 in slots 136 formed inforwardly extending brackets 167 attached to the bottom support member34 that are designed for mating engagement with the elongated tabs 135formed on the bottom surface 165 of bottom portion 148. The bottomportion 148 is also designed to rest on, be supported by and attached tothe attachment features 134 in the form of through holes 133 usingthreaded bolts 143 and nuts 145 as shown, for example, in FIG. 15. Thefirst side fascia support member 154 has a first side baffle 155 thatpartially encloses the portion of the airflow path 178 proximatethereto. The second side fascia support member 156 has a second sidebaffle 157 that partially encloses the portion of the airflow path 178proximate thereto. The top portion 146 and bottom portion 148 may beformed as separate components as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. Opposinglower ends 160 and 162 of the top portion 146 are designed to abutinglyoverlap the opposed ends 164, 166 of the bottom portion 148 as shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 13 and 14 with respect to lower end 160 and end164 to reduce and/or prevent portions of the airflow 100 from escapingthrough the interface 168 between them. The abutingly overlapped jointbetween them also establishes the seal members 144 of the top portion146 in close proximity to and alignment with the seal members 144 of thebottom portion 148 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 14. Alternately, the topportion 146 and bottom portion 148 may also be formed as a single piece(not shown) having the configuration of the assembled top and bottomportions. The bottom portion 148 is attached to at least one of theplurality of position reference features 132 to establish apredetermined position of the top portion relative to the positioningand reinforcement member 30, wherein the first side baffle 155, thesecond side baffle 157 and bottom baffle 149 includes an airflow conduit102 that is configured for fluid communication of an airflow 100 to andthrough the positioning and reinforcement structure opening 31. Theairflow conduit 102, FIG. 7, comprises and is defined by the interiorsurfaces of the various members of the front fascia support structureassembly 142 that define an axially extending central opening 104therein that is configured to sealingly abut either the positioning andreinforcement member opening 31 directly or another member of theassembly that sealingly abuts this opening. The use of the term“opening” herein in conjunction with the various members of the airflowconduit 102 is intended to encompass the opening referred to as well asthe axially-extending surfaces associated with the periphery of theopening that act as a conduit for the portion of the airflow 100entering therein.

The bottom portion 148 is disposed below the top portion 146 andencloses the open end of the substantially U-shaped top portion 146. Thebottom portion 148 includes a bottom baffle 149 that partially enclosesthe portion of the airflow path 178 proximate thereto.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first side baffle 155, secondside baffle 157 and/or bottom baffle 149 has a seal member 144 disposedon a leading or forwardmost edge thereof. In another embodiment, sealmembers 144 are disposed on the leading edge of the first side baffle orclose-out panel 155, the leading edge of the second side baffle orclose-out panel 157, and the leading edge of the bottom baffle or closeout panel 149.

In one embodiment the top portion 146 comprises an integrally moldedfirst polymer and the seal member 144 is disposed on the leading edge ofthe first side baffle 155 and the leading edge of the second side baffle157 as an integrally co-molded second polymer, and the second polymerhas a hardness that is less than the first polymer. In anotherembodiment, the bottom portion 148 comprises an integrally molded firstpolymer and the seal member 144 is disposed on the leading edge of thebottom baffle 149 as an integrally co-molded second polymer, and thesecond polymer has a hardness that is less than the first polymer. Inone embodiment, the first polymer comprises an engineering thermoplasticor thermoset polymer, or a combination thereof, and the second polymercomprises a thermoplastic or thermoset elastomer, or a combinationthereof.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5 and 16-20, in one embodiment, theposition-controlled front fascia support structure assembly 142 alsoincludes a selectively adjustable aerodynamic shutter system or assembly190. The aerodynamic shutter system 190 may be used to control theamount of the airflow 100 entering the grill opening 172 that is allowedto pass through into the engine compartment 182. The aerodynamic shuttersystem 190 includes a shutter frame 191 having a shutter frame opening206 and a plurality of rotatable shutters or louvers 192 disposedtherein to define a selectively openable and closable portion 207 of theshutter frame opening and a permanently open portion 209 of the shutterframe opening 206, wherein the open portion is permanently open toreceive a portion of the airflow 100 and includes no shutters torestrict or prevent the flow of air. The openable/closable portion 207and open portion 209 may be arranged within the frame opening 206 in anyconfiguration. In one embodiment, the open portion 209 is disposedproximate a lower end 211 of the shutter frame 191 (FIG. 2-4), forexample. In another embodiment, the open portion 209 is disposedproximate an upper end 213 of the shutter frame 191 (FIGS. 16 and 17),for example.

The shutter frame 191 is a substantially cross-car extending andvertically extending shutter frame, and may have any suitable shape,including a shape that is substantially U-shaped and opens upwardly. Theselectively adjustable aerodynamic shutter system 190 includes aplurality of movable (rotatable) shutters 192 that extend in thecross-car direction 27 and are configured for movement between an openposition 194 (FIG. 2) where the shutters and the shutter surfaces,including front surfaces 197 and rear surfaces 199, are orientedsubstantially parallel to the central axis 25 of the vehicle and wherethe shutters are not in overlapping engagement with one another, and aclosed position 198 (FIGS. 16 and 17) where the shutters and the shutterfaces are oriented substantially parallel to the vertical direction 28and where adjacent shutters are in overlapping engagement with oneanother. The shutters 192 may also be controlled to an intermediateposition (not shown) between the open position 194 and the closedposition 198 where the shutters 192 and the front and rear surfaces 197,199 are oriented at an acute or an obtuse angle from the verticaldirection 28 and direct the airflow 100 either upwardly or downwardlydepending on the angle. The shutters 192 are rotatably disposed inshutter frame 191 at a first end 193 and a second end 195. The rotatabledisposition may be accomplished using any suitable rotatable joint ormechanism 196 at the respective ends, such as a pin and hinge (notshown). The rotatable joints or mechanisms 196 at the first end 193 andthe second end 195 may be the same joints, as shown, or differentjoints. In the closed position 198, the airflow 100 into the grillopening 172 is partially blocked except for the portions of the airflow100 that pass through any permanently open portions of the selectivelyadjustable aerodynamic shutter system 190, such as the open portion 209.In the closed position 198 the shutters 192 restrict and reduce airflow100 through the grill opening into the engine compartment 182. In theopen position 194, the airflow 100 into the grill opening 172 is notrestricted by the shutters 192. The selectively adjustable aerodynamicshutter system 190 may also be used to move the shutters 192 to variousintermediate (partially open/closed) positions (not shown) between theclosed position 198 and the open position 194 to meter or control thequantity or amount of the airflow 100 entering the grill opening 172.

The fascia support structure opening 104, and hence the frame opening206, for a particular vehicle 12 may be determined and/or calculatedbased on two things. First, in the open position 194, these openingsshould provide the maximum amount of open area needed to provide apredetermined heat exchanger efficiency. The area will be determined bythe size of the heat exchangers to provide a predetermined maximumamount or volume of airflow 100. In one embodiment, the opening area wasas large as the frontal area of the leading heat exchanger. Second, inthe closed position 198, the area of the open portion 209 will beselected to provide a base airflow 100, which is a minimum airflowneeded for vehicle 12 operation, assuming that the shutters remain inthe closed position 198. In one embodiment, this was accomplished byleaving a bottom rung of shutters 192 gapped or spaced from the bottomof the shutter frame 191, FIG. 2. There are several benefits fordesigning open portion 209 to provide a base airflow 100, includingimproved induction air temperature regulation, ensuring cooling forreturning engine liquid heat soak in the bottom of the heat exchangers,and providing emergency airflow in the event that heavy snow, ice, ordebris built up on the shutters and prevent them from opening, or in theevent of a malfunction of or damage to the actuators or linkages.

The shutters 192 are selectively moveable using an actuator, such as anelectric motor 201 (FIG. 17)), including various types of DC motors, andtheir precise position may be controlled using an electronic controlmodule 203 (ECM). For example, the rotatable shutters 192 are operablyand rotatably coupled to an electric motor 201 and movement between theopen position 194 and the closed position 198 may be selectivelycontrolled using the ECM 203. The rotatable shutters 192 may be linkedtogether by one or more linkages 205 that interconnect the shutters 192on one or both of their front surfaces 197 or rear surfaces 199. Thelinkages allow the linked shutters 192 to be rotated together by thesame amount of rotation. The shutters 192 may have any suitable size,including a predetermined length, thickness and width necessary ordesirable to close the desired portion of the grill opening 172. Theselectively adjustable aerodynamic shutter system 190, including theframe 191 and the shutters 192, may be made from any suitable material,including a various thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, metals,or composites materials, or a combination thereof. The rear surface 208of the shutter frame 191 of the selectively adjustable aerodynamicshutter system 190 is covering and detachably attached to the topportion 146 and the bottom portion 148 of the position-controlled frontfascia support structure 140 about a periphery of the fascia supportstructure opening 104 and may, for example, be mounted (FIG. 2) to theshutter mounting surface 210 of the position-controlled front fasciasupport structure 140 using threaded bolts and nuts (not shown), such asthose used to attach the positioning and reinforcement member 30 to theposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140, FIG. 12.

The aerodynamic shutter system 190, including the shutter frame 191,shutters 192, electric motor 201, linkages 205, may be added as avehicle build option. The position-controlled front fascia supportstructure assembly 142, including the positioning and reinforcementmember 30 and position-controlled front fascia support structure 140, isthe structural support and dimensional positioning member for theshutter frame. The structural durability, strength and stiffnessrequirements for the vehicle 12 and support of the fascia 170 and grill(not shown) are met by the positioning and reinforcement member 30 andposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140 without theaerodynamic shutter system 190 being installed. The fact that thevehicle 12 structural requirements are met without the aerodynamicshutter system 190 advantageously simplifies its design requirements,particularly the strength and stiffness requirements of the shutterframe 191.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front fascia supportstructure assembly 142 may also include a grill (not shown) disposed inthe grill opening 172 of the front fascia 170. The grill generallycomprises a plurality of grill louvers that may be arranged in anysuitable pattern of vertically-extending or cross-car extending louvers,or a combination thereof, or as a network comprising a plurality ofinterconnected polygonal shape cells. The grill defines the aestheticappearance of the front of the vehicle 10, as well as providing a coverfor the grill opening 172 and the grill, particularly the grill louvers,is adapted to provide fluid communication of the airflow 100 into theconduit 102 while limiting or preventing incursion of certain foreignobjects into the conduit while the vehicle 10 is being operated. Thegrill may be formed from any suitable material, including various metalsor engineering plastics, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front fascia supportstructure assembly 142 also includes a vehicle frame 14 and radiatorsupport 60, wherein the positioning and reinforcement member 30 isattached to the vehicle frame and radiator support and establishes apredetermined position of the position-controlled front fascia supportstructure assembly 142, including the positioning and reinforcementmember 30, position-controlled front fascia support structure 140,selectively adjustable aerodynamic shutter system 190 and front fascia170 in relation to the vehicle frame 14. In one embodiment, a method ofassembly of the position-controlled front fascia support structureassembly 142 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The positioning andreinforcement member 30 and position-controlled front fascia supportstructure 140 may be positioned relative to one another in the mannerdescribed herein using the positioning features 132. The selectivelyadjustable aerodynamic shutter system 190 may be positioned over theposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140 as shown in FIG.2. The positioning and reinforcement member 30, position-controlledfront fascia support structure 140, and selectively adjustableaerodynamic shutter system 190 may be brought into proximity andpositioned relative to one another and fixed to one another as describedherein and illustrated in FIG. 3 and then positioned on and fixed to theframe as illustrated in FIG. 4. The fascia 170 may then be positionedonto the position-controlled front fascia support structure 140 asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1-20, and more particularly to FIGS. 19 and 20, whilethe aerodynamic shutter system 190 has been described above in anembodiment of a vehicle 12 that includes a position-controlled frontfascia support structure 140 and front fascia 170 that surrounds anddefines a grill opening 172, FIGS. 1-18, as might be used, for example,in an SUV or van, it is also applicable to other embodiments that do notemploy a front fascia, including embodiments that employ a discretegrill and that include a bumper and/or trim panel that is disposed belowthe grill over an underlying structural front fender, for example, FIGS.19 and 20, where the grill is not disposed within a surrounding fasciaand it is desirable that the grill be positioned and supported by aposition-controlled grill support structure that is analogous to theposition-controlled front fascia support structure 140. For purposes ofthis embodiment, the same reference numbers as are used above inconjunction with the position controlled fascia support structure 140,since the position-controlled grill support structure 140 is essentiallyan example of a one-piece fascia support structure as described above,except that it is not used with a front fascia. In one embodiment, aposition-controlled front grill support structure assembly 142 for avehicle 12 is disclosed. The position-controlled front grill supportstructure assembly 142 includes a positioning and reinforcement memberfor a front end clip of a vehicle, the positioning and reinforcementstructure comprising a substantially cross-car extending and verticallyextending member frame comprising the elements described above anddefining a member frame opening 31.

The position-controlled front grill support structure assembly 142 alsoincludes a one-piece position-controlled front grill support structure140 that is sealingly and detachably attached to the positioning andreinforcement member 30 as described herein. The position-controlledfront grill support structure 140 may be described generally ascomprising an attachment flange 33, and more particularly a plurality ofattachment flanges 33, and a peripherally-extending grill reinforcementrib 35 extending axially outwardly away from the attachment flanges 33in an axial direction 26. The grill reinforcement rib 35 defines a frontgrill support structure opening 104. The attachment flanges 33 areconfigured to sealingly engage a front surface 230 of the positioningand reinforcement member 30.

The position-controlled front grill support structure assembly 142 alsoincludes an aerodynamic shutter system 190 comprising a shutter frame191 having a shutter frame opening 206 and a plurality of rotatableshutters 192 disposed therein to define an openable/closable portion 207of the shutter frame opening and an open portion 209 of the shutterframe opening. The shutter frame has a front surface 232, FIGS. 16 and20, and a rear surface 234, FIG. 17. The rear surface 234 is sealinglyand detachably attached to the position-controlled front grill supportstructure 140 about a periphery of the grill support structure opening104. The shutters are rotatable from a closed position 198 whereadjacent shutters are in overlapping engagement with one another to anopen position 194 where the shutters are not in overlapping engagementwith one another. The shutter frame opening 206, front grill supportstructure opening 104 and member frame opening 31 comprise a sealedairflow conduit 102 for communication of the airflow 100.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 also includes a grill to front grill support structureadapter 236 that includes a substantially cross-car extending andvertically extending adapter frame 238 having a front surface 240 and arear surface 242 and defining a grill to front grill support structureadapter opening 244, the rear surface is sealingly and detachablyattached as described herein to the front surface 232 of the shutterframe 191. The grill to front grill support structure adapter opening244 also comprising a portion of the airflow conduit 102 forcommunication of the airflow 100 as described herein. In one embodiment,the grill to front grill support structure adapter 236 further comprisesa secondary air induction inlet 246.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 also includes a front grill 248 that includes a front grillopening 250. The front grill 248 comprises a substantially cross-carextending and vertically extending grill frame 252 having a frontsurface 254 and a rear surface 256 and defining the grill opening 250.The grill frame 252 may also include a cross-member 258, which mayinclude the cross-car cross-member 258 shown or a vertical cross-member(not shown). The rear surface 256 is sealingly and detachably attachedto the grill to front grill support structure adapter 236. The frontgrill opening 250 also comprises a portion of the airflow conduit 102for communication of the airflow 100.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 also includes a positioning and reinforcement member toheat exchanger seal adapter 260. The positioning and reinforcementmember to heat exchanger seal adapter 260 includes a substantiallycross-car extending and vertically extending seal adapter frame 262having a front surface 264 and a rear surface 266 and defining apositioning and reinforcement member to heat exchanger seal adapteropening 268. The front surface 264 may be sealingly and detachablyattached to a rear surface 270 of the positioning and reinforcementmember 30. The positioning and reinforcement member to heat exchangerseal adapter opening 268 also comprises a portion of the airflow conduit102 for communication of the airflow 100. In one embodiment, thepositioning and reinforcement member to heat exchanger seal adapter 260further comprises a primary air induction inlet 269 for connection to aprimary air induction duct assembly (not shown).

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 also includes a heat exchanger seal 270. The heat exchangerseal 270 includes a substantially cross-car extending and verticallyextending seal frame 272 having a front surface 274 and a rear surface276 and defining a heat exchanger seal opening 278. The front surface274 may be sealingly and detachably attached to the rear surface 266 ofthe positioning and reinforcement member to heat exchanger seal adapter260. The heat exchanger seal opening 278 also comprises a portion of theairflow conduit 102 for communication of the airflow 100.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 also includes a heat exchanger 280 with a plurality of heatexchanger elements and passageways, such as a plurality of spaced apartheat exchanger fins, are sealably and detachably attached to the rearsurface 276 of the heat exchanger seal 270. The front grill 248 andfront grill opening 250, grill to front grill support structure adapter236 and grill to front grill support structure adapter opening 244,position-controlled grill support structure 140 and front grill supportstructure opening 104, positioning and reinforcement member 30 andmember frame opening 31, positioning and reinforcement member to heatexchanger seal adapter 260 and positioning and reinforcement member toheat exchanger seal adapter opening 268, heat exchanger seal 270 andheat exchanger seal opening 278, and the heat exchanger 280, and theaxially extending surfaces adjoining the periphery of these elementscomprise the position-controlled front grill support structure assembly142 and provide the sealed airflow conduit 102 described herein fordirecting an airflow 100 from the front of the vehicle 12 into theengine compartment 182 and providing the benefits and advantagesdescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the position-controlled front grill support structureassembly 142 may also include a sight shield 290. The sight shieldcomprises an upper surface 292 and a lower surface 294. The lowersurface comprises a seal member, such as a foam panel, that extends overthe lower surface 294 and that is sealably disposed above the elementsof the position-controlled front grill support structure assembly 142and air conduit 102 described above that extends axially between thegrill 248 and the radiator support 60.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fascia support structure and aerodynamicshutter assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a fascia support structure,comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body, theU-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first sidefascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the firstside fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second sidefascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portioncomprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion detachably attached tothe first side fascia support member and the second side fascia supportmember, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fasciasupport structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, secondside baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leadingedge thereof; and an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutterframe having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatableshutters disposed therein to define a closable portion of the shutterframe opening and an open portion of the shutter frame opening, theshutter frame covering and detachably attached to the top portion andthe bottom portion about a periphery of the fascia support structureopening, the shutters rotatable from a closed position where adjacentshutters are in overlapping engagement with one another to an openposition where the shutters are not in overlapping engagement with oneanother.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter frame openingis substantially U-shaped and opens upwardly.
 3. The assembly of claim1, wherein the open portion is disposed proximate a lower end of theshutter frame.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the open portionextends across a lower end of the shutter frame.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the rotatable shutters are operably and rotatablycoupled to an electric motor and movement between the open position andthe closed position may be selectively controlled using an electroniccontrol module.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least oneseal member comprises a plurality of seal members disposed on theleading edge of the first side baffle, the leading edge of the secondside baffle, and the leading edge of the bottom baffle.
 7. The assemblyof claim 6, further comprising a front fascia comprising a grillopening, the fascia sealably disposed against the plurality of sealmembers, wherein the grill opening, shutter frame opening and fasciasupport structure opening comprise a sealed air conduit.
 8. Aposition-controlled front fascia support structure assembly for avehicle, comprising: a positioning and reinforcement member for a frontend clip of a vehicle, the positioning and reinforcement membercomprising a plurality of first position reference features for locatingand fixing the positions of a plurality of vehicle components comprisingthe front end clip, the positioning and reinforcement member comprisinga positioning and reinforcement member opening; and aposition-controlled front fascia support structure detachably attachedto the positioning and reinforcement member and comprising a pluralityof second position reference features that are configured forcooperative engagement with the first position reference features tolocate and fix the front fascia support structure in a predeterminedposition relative to the positioning and reinforcement member, and alsocomprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body, theU-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first sidefascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the firstside fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second sidefascia support member having a second side baffle, a second positionreference feature of the top portion configured for cooperativeengagement with at least one of the plurality of first positionreference features to establish the predetermined position of the topportion relative to the positioning and reinforcement structure; and abottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attachedto the first side fascia support member and the second side fasciasupport member, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising afascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle,second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on aleading edge thereof, a second position reference feature of the bottomportion configured for cooperative engagement with at least one of theplurality of first position reference features to establish thepredetermined position of the bottom portion relative to the positioningand reinforcement structure; and an aerodynamic shutter systemcomprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and aplurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein to define a closableportion of the shutter frame opening and an open portion of the shutterframe opening, the shutter frame covering and detachably attached to thetop portion and the bottom portion about a periphery of the fasciasupport structure opening, the shutters rotatable from a closed positionwhere adjacent shutters are in overlapping engagement with one anotherto an open position where the shutters are not in overlapping engagementwith one another.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a frontfascia comprising a grill opening, the fascia sealably disposed againstthe plurality of seal members, wherein the grill opening, shutter frameopening, fascia support structure opening and positioning andreinforcement structure opening comprise a sealed air conduit configuredfor communication of an airflow from the grill opening to an enginecompartment.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a grilldisposed in the grill opening.
 11. The position-controlled front fasciasupport structure assembly of claim 9, further comprising a vehicleframe, wherein the positioning and reinforcement member is attached tothe vehicle frame and establishes a predetermined position of thepositioning and reinforcement member, position-controlled front fasciasupport structure and front fascia in relation to the vehicle frame. 12.A position-controlled front grill support structure assembly for avehicle, comprising: a positioning and reinforcement member for a frontend clip of a vehicle, the positioning and reinforcement structurecomprising a substantially cross-car extending and vertically extendingmember frame and defining a member frame opening; a one-pieceposition-controlled front grill support structure that is sealingly anddetachably attached to the positioning and reinforcement member, thefront grill support structure comprising an attachment flange and agrill reinforcement rib extending outwardly away from the attachmentflange in a forward direction, the grill reinforcement rib defining afront grill support structure opening, the attachment flange configuredto sealingly engage a front surface of the positioning and reinforcementmember; and an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter framehaving a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shuttersdisposed therein to define a closable portion of the shutter frameopening and an open portion of the shutter frame opening, the shutterframe sealingly and detachably attached to the front grill supportstructure about a periphery of the grill support structure opening, theshutters rotatable from a closed position to an open position, theshutter frame opening, front grill support structure opening and memberframe opening comprising a sealed airflow conduit for communication ofan airflow.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising a grill tofront grill support structure adapter comprising a substantiallycross-car extending and vertically extending adapter frame having afront surface and a rear surface and defining a grill to front grillsupport structure adapter opening, the rear surface sealingly anddetachably attached to the front surface of the shutter frame, the grillto front grill support structure adapter opening comprising the airflowconduit for communication of the airflow.
 14. The assembly of claim 13,wherein the grill to front grill support structure adapter furthercomprises a secondary air induction inlet.
 15. The assembly of claim 13,further comprising a front grill, the front grill comprising asubstantially cross-car extending and vertically extending grill framedefining a grill opening and sealingly and detachably attached to thegrill to front grill support structure adapter, the front grill openingcomprising the airflow conduit for communication of the airflow.
 16. Theassembly of claim 15, further comprising a positioning and reinforcementmember to heat exchanger seal adapter comprising a substantiallycross-car extending and vertically extending seal adapter frame defininga positioning and reinforcement member to heat exchanger seal adapteropening, and sealingly and detachably attached to the positioning andreinforcement member, the positioning and reinforcement member to heatexchanger seal adapter opening comprising the airflow conduit forcommunication of the airflow.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein thepositioning and reinforcement member to heat exchanger seal adapterfurther comprises a primary air induction inlet.
 18. The assembly ofclaim 16, further comprising a heat exchanger seal comprising asubstantially cross-car extending and vertically extending seal framehaving and defining a heat exchanger seal opening, and detachablyattached to the positioning and reinforcement member to heat exchangerseal adapter, the heat exchanger seal opening comprising the airflowconduit for communication of the airflow.
 19. The assembly of claim 18,further comprising a heat exchanger sealably and detachably attached tothe heat exchanger seal.
 20. The assembly of claim 18, furthercomprising a sight shield comprising an upper surface and a lowersurface, the lower surface comprising a seal member, the seal membersealably disposed above the air conduit between the grill and a radiatorsupport.